MS in Information Systems
One degree. Two ways to earn it.
Northeastern University's MS in Information Systems (MSIS) is available fully online and on-ground at campuses across the country. Both are Northeastern University College of Engineering degrees. The credential is identical. The application, cost, and experience is different.
Online MSIS
Built for flexibility and accessibility — 100% asynchronous, no campus required, no prior tech background needed.
100% Online~$24,600 totalNo tech background required3 start dates / yearEnroll in <8 hours16+ monthsOn-Ground MSIS
Built for full-time, hands-on learning — in-person classrooms, real campus community, and co-op built into your degree.
8 campuses~$61,728 totalCo-op availableF-1 visa eligible24-36 monthsFall & Spring entrySide By Side Details
How they compare.
100% Online Online MSIS |
On-Ground On-Ground MSIS |
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Format & Schedule | ||||
Delivery | 100% online, asynchronous Optional weekly faculty office hours | In-person, on-ground Interactive, participatory classroom experience |
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Location | Study from anywhere | 8 campuses Arlington, Boston, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, Vancouver |
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Pace | Part-time friendly ~8–10 hrs/week per course, typically one course per term | Full-time or part-time |
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Duration | 16–32 months | 24-36 months |
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Entry terms | 3 per year Spring, Summer, Fall | Fall & Spring only |
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Cost | ||||
Total tuition | ~$24,600 $3,075 per course × 8 courses, pay-as-you-go | ~$61,728 AY 2025–2026 estimate, subject to change |
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Payment | Pay per course No long-term tuition commitment upfront, financial aid eligible after matriculation | Standard semester billing Financial aid eligible |
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Admissions | ||||
Application type | Fast App or standard application Fast App: no essays, no application fee, performance-based, enrolled in under 8 hours | Standard graduate application |
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Required materials | Fast App: transcripts only Standard: transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, résumé | Transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, résumé |
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GRE | Not required | Not required For terms starting 2025–2026 |
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Prior tech background | Not required Designed for all academic backgrounds | Required for standard MSIS No tech background? The on-ground MSIS Bridge program is designed specifically for non-STEM and nontechnical bachelor's degree holders — no programming or math prerequisites required. |
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F-1 visa eligible | No | Yes |
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Student Experience | ||||
Co-op | Not available | Available Up to 8 months of professional experience |
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Graduation ceremony | Yes — Boston campus | Yes — campus of enrollment |
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| View Online MSIS → | View On-Ground MSIS → | |||
What both programs share
The things that are the same.
The same diploma
Both programs award a Master of Science in Information Systems from Northeastern University's College of Engineering. The diploma does not reference "online" or a specific campus.
The same faculty
Online and on-ground students are taught by the same College of Engineering faculty. The professors who teach on-ground sections also teach the online sections.
The same credit count
Both programs are 32 credits. Every course you complete — whether online or on-ground — counts the same toward your degree.
The same employer recognition
MSIS graduates from both programs are hired at Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Oracle, IBM, and organizations across every industry. The credential carries the same weight in the job market.
Top 40 engineering school
Northeastern's College of Engineering is ranked Top 40 by U.S. News & World Report (2026). That ranking applies to every program in the college — online and on-ground alike.
Free badge courses
All enrolled students unlock free access to non-credit badge courses — normally $499 each — the moment they enroll. Build credentials before your first degree course begins.
Ready when you are
Take the next step.
Both programs lead to the same Northeastern University College of Engineering degree. Choose the path that fits your life.